The textbook, in table 11.3, provides a summary of many meta-analytic studies that have been conducted looking at the differences between men and women. Summarize the trends of this research

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: A number of conclusions can be drawn from this long list of studies. The student may review the points made in the textbook or may have some thoughts of their own regarding trends. It is obvious that many studies have looked at the difference between males in females using a plethora of dependent variables. It is a very important research area a large number of scientists. Overall, it is quite remarkable how few differences have proven to be significant. The most consistent differences, with meaningful effect sizes, have been in the areas of physical attributes, such as height; some aspects of sexuality, such as attitudes towards casual sex; and qualities desired in a potential mate. Negative results, in which there is no evidence of differences, are quite telling. There are no differences in general intelligence, and even differences in verbal ability are trivial.

There are some differences in the nature of mental disorders experienced by each group, with women having higher rates of mood disorders and men having higher rates of drug abuse, autism, learning disorders, and sexual disorders.

There are many other comparisons that can be drawn from this chapter. A good answer will have an overview and a couple of examples.

Psychology

You might also like to view...

Sigmund Freud developed an innovative procedure for treating people with psychological problems, which he called

a. behavior modification. b. primal therapy. c. psychoanalysis. d. rational-emotive therapy.

Psychology

Which dimension of grandparenting includes cultural needs and expectations of what grandparents are to do, such as passing on the family history to the grandchildren?

a. the boomerang dimension b. the educational dimension c. the social dimension d. the personal dimension

Psychology

Primary appraisal refers to the stage in emotional adjustment during which

a. the means of meeting a threat is chosen. b. the pros and cons of a particular course of action are weighed. c. one decides if a situation is threatening or not. d. vague feelings of anxiety begin.

Psychology

According to social learning theory, a child's emotional attachment to admired adults, especially those who provide love and care is referred to as

a. fixation. b. congruence. c. identification. d. imitation.

Psychology